... it can also refer to the type of music, the Blues, as being appropriated by Native Americans. Alexie opens each chapter with Blues lyrics, each song lamenting some wretched aspect of Native American life and relating to foregoing chapter. Blues music originated from African Americans, used as ... into submission under the facade that it is for their own good. This is further implied in Checkers' dream with Father Arnold. She is the submissive party and he, symbolically the white oppressor, yet is he who is forgiving Checkers, as though he is doing what he does for her benefit. Alexie also...

• Word Count: 2551
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate